The Hong Kong Science & Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP) hosted EPIC 2025 in early November as the flagship start-up pitching competition drew a record 1,200 local and overseas start-ups to the Kai Tak Cruise Terminal.
The grand finale was held on the last day of the week at Kai Tak Cruise Terminal. The event reached its high point with the EPIC Finale, where top teams pitched before global judges for US$105 million in targeted investment opportunities and US$240,000 in cash prizes.
NEU Battery Materials, the overall champion also won the Green Tech category, impressed judges with the world’s first patented electrochemical recycling method for lithium batteries.
Canada’s KA Imaging Inc won the Digital Health Tech track with a spectral X-ray system that can separate soft tissue and bone, enabling faster and more accurate medical imaging.
In the FinTech category, Singapore’s Belli was recognised for its aviation software designed to help airlines optimise cargo space, tackling a long-standing inefficiency where up to 85 per cent of flights operate below capacity.
The real magic happened as EPIC Week took place from November 3 to November 7, just 100 semi-finalists earned their place in this Asia flagship start-up pitching competition—yet the event proved to be far more than a contest. It was an immersive experience that blended ideas, technology, and the unmistakable energy of Hong Kong’s vibrant innovation atmosphere.
The week opened with a forward-looking Marketing Discovery Programme with panel discussion that brought together thought leaders in investment, innovation, and entrepreneurship. Speakers explored how startups continue to strengthen their roles as gateway for global start-ups aiming to scale across Asia, as well as the technology revolution in Hong Kong. The conversation underscored that today’s founders must communicate vision, impact, and scalability.
As evening fell, the welcome party transformed this energy into community warmth. Terry Wong, CEO of HKSTP remarked at opening, “Hong Kong has always been working as a super connector of East and West. Our theme this year is take off, essentially what EPIC does - to help your ideas and dreams to get ready for take off.”
Founders, investors, and EPIC alumni gathered under the city skyline to share stories and ambitions. Matthew Schneider, alumni of EPIC 2024 and founder of Building Inc shared his experience, “Hong Kong is always on the move to innovate. The market discovery is great as a lot of people are scared to expand their business outside of their home country, but EPIC is there to light the path for those startups.” The atmosphere was equal parts excitement and purpose—a preview of the connections to come.
Throughout the week, EPIC evolved into a showcase of cutting-edge ideas and promising partnership. Representatives from EPIC sponsors and strategic partners shared insights at seminars with EPIC contestants on the impact of innovation and technology development across industries. The lineup of heavyweight speakers included: strategic partners MTR Lab, Wings Capital Ventures and VU Venture Partners; joined by co-title sponsors Cathay and HSBC; digital health tech track sponsor Takeda; and hospitality sponsor Regal Hotels International.
On the second day of the EPIC Week, the top 100 visited Hong Kong FinTech Week 2025 x Startmeup Festival 2025 and connected with representatives from leading corporations at the exclusive “EPIC Lounge” at HKSTP’s Pavilion. The Lounge also served as a platform for on-the-spot business matching with over a hundred exhibiting companies.
Midweek excursions invited participants to explore GBA’s thriving innovation ecosystem first-hand. Site visits to partner hubs including Mindray Bio-Medical Electronics Co., Webank, and Nanshan Energy Eco-Park, revealed how the city’s infrastructure and cross-border collaboration are turning vision into viability. For many overseas founders, it was their first glimpse into how Hong Kong accelerates tech ideas from concept to market.
The emphasis was clear: EPIC is not only a competition, but a catalyst for ecosystem establishment. Each discussion and demo embodied the Week’s theme—connection through innovation.
The EPIC Week offers comprehensive touch on a localised experience for global contestants. Hilda Chan, chief marketing officer at HKSTP, says “EPIC is not only an international pitching competition but also a platform that provides global startups with new experiences. I believe participants would benefit from gaining a deeper understanding of Hong Kong, realize their ambitions, and reach global success.” she said.
Winning entries in Digital Health, FinTech, and GreenTech embodied the event’s purpose—bold innovation makes real-world impact. EPIC 2025 built network, inspired collaboration, and showcased how Hong Kong’s innovation scene continues to thrive on passion, talent, and global ambition.
